The Ag Minute: Stay Informed on the Issues with the House Agriculture Committee

WASHINGTON – This week during The Ag Minute, Chairman Frank Lucas, discusses how new media platforms are transforming the way farmers, ranchers, and rural constituents are staying informed on everything from weather updates to commodity prices to politics. Rep. Lucas further explains that these new trends for communicating can help advance the story of American agriculture.

"This week the National Association of Farm Broadcasting will be in Washington for its annual event. This is a time when the farm broadcasters meet with legislators to discuss the latest issues regarding agriculture policy.

"I am pleased to be a part of this event and will meet with the folks who keep our farmers, ranchers, and rural constituents informed on the important issues of the day.

"Radio still stands out as a great news source in rural America, but new trends for communicating out in the field are growing.

"Just as America’s farmers have taken advantage of new technology to produce more with less, so are they taking advantage of new media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to engage on the issues.

"With pending trade agreements, environmental regulations, and the upcoming farm bill reauthorization, it’s important that our agricultural producers are aware of the policies that directly affect them. It’s also important that they have a voice in the public policy debate.

"The House Agriculture Committee offers several online resources. I encourage you to log onto our website, and follow us on Facebook (House Agriculture Committee) and Twitter (@HouseAgNews) to receive the latest news updates.

"Beyond staying informed, these tools help us all in the agriculture community to reach out and tell the story of American agriculture."

The Ag Minute is Chairman Lucas's weekly radio address that is released each week from the House Agriculture Committee.

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